Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Combination Respirator
Unit (CBRN-CRU) Standard Development Effort
Frank Palya Jr.; NIOSH-NPPTL
CBRN-CRU Description
CBRN-CRU is a multi-functional unit that employs the technology of
two or more different types of respiratory protective devices (RPD)
separately to provide protection against CBRN hazards.
A CBRN-CRU may be a combination of the following:
• Open Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (OC-SCBA)
• Closed Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (CC-SCBA)
• Supplied Air Respirator (SAR)
• Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
• Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)
Courtesy of Avon Protection
Courtesy of Mine Safety Appliances
Courtesy of HQ AFCESA/CEXF
Goal
Develop new performance requirements for the CBRN-CRU and
promulgate them as regulations into Title 42 CFR Part 84 which
consider the following:
1. Incorporate current creditable human physiological and ergonomic
factor limits
Stakeholder Comments (Partial Synopsized List)
Ensure gating mechanisms that separate APR plenums from SCBA plenums are designed
properly to avoid cross contamination.
2. Provide protection against CBRN hazards
Filter media and sorbent must be sealed from the atmospheric hazard while the CBRNCRU is in the Supplied Air Mode (SAR).
3. Provide Responders CBRN-CRU options that will allow them to
customize their respiratory protection needs so they can better
perform their primary duties in response to CBRN incidents
Ensure that the Filter media and sorbent can adequately purify the contaminated air after
prolonged exposure to high temperature while in the SAR mode.
4. The most current test equipment identified in the Standard Test
Procedures (STPs) to test the performance requirements
5. Ensure the NIOSH-certified apparatus provides adequate
protection to the wearer and are “safe-to-use”
6. Enable the latest technology and innovative designs to be tested
and have flexibility to accommodate future technology
Each component of CBRN-CRU receive NIOSH CBRN approval for their respective mode
of operation. In addition, the complete CBRN-CRU assemblage receive approval under an
overarching CBRN-CRU certification. Under this approval classification, respirator
wearers will be protected with the assigned protection factor (APF) for the mode of
operation under which the CBRN-CRU is being used.
Certification schedule contain all the details for certifying the complete CBRN-CRU
assemblage and require NFPA 1981 compliance as a provision of NIOSH certification
when the intended CBRN-CRU use will be in the Fire or another Emergency Service.
Change Section 84.63(b) of 42 CFR 84 to allow certifying CBRN-CRU components under
the certification schedule for each respective mode of operation, so the CBRN-CRU will be
certified for entry into IDLH atmospheres when worn in the SCBA mode of operation.
Manual switching or automatic switching should be permitted between respirator modes of
operation. From a safety perspective, switching modes needs to be a task that the wearer
is instructed to do, and is done knowingly, or in the case of automatic switching, the mode
change is made known to the wearer.
Courtesy of Avon Protection
An automatic switching from an air-purifying mode to a supplied-air mode based on the
hazard level of the atmosphere by the CBRN-CRU should be allowed, but the wearer must
have the opportunity to take over control. An automatic switching back to a lower
protection level based on a detection component has to be possible to override by the
wearer.
Considerations for Concept Performance Standard
Current Requirements
Title 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 84 Section 84.63(b)
(42CFR84.63(b) states “Where a combination respirator is assembled
from two or more types of respirators, as described in this part, each of
the individual respirator types which have been combined shall, as
applicable, meet the minimum requirements for such respirators set forth
in subparts H through L of this part, and such combination respirators,
except as specified in Sec. 84.70(b)(2), will be classified by the type of
respirator in the combination which provides the least protection to the
user”
If a CBRN-CRU has an APR in combination, it will be classified as an
APR (TC-14G or TC-23C)
OSHA Regulations (29 CFR 1910.134(d)(2)(i)), entry into an Immediately
Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere (29 CFR 1910.146(b))
requires the use of a full facepiece positive pressure SCBA (Service Life
≥ 30 minutes) or a full facepiece Type ``C'' or Type ``CE'' supplied air
respirator in combination with an SCBA
Project Activities
Posted Concept: Request For Information on CBRNCRU Standard Development
1QFY11
Opened Docket 82-A
1QFY11
Held December 9th 2010 Public Meeting
1QFY11
Closed Docket 82-A
2QFY11
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
1QFY12
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
4QFY12
NIOSH CBRN approval for OC-SCBA requires approval to all the
requirements of the NFPA 1981 standard
Considerations
Acknowledgment
Should CBRN-CRUs be required to meet all / any / none of the
requirements of NFPA 1981 if an Open Circuit Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus is part of the combination?
CBRN Respirator Standards Development is funded by the Department Of
Homeland Security
Is NFPA 1981 compliance applicable to Law Enforcement Operations?
Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this poster have not been formally disseminated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.